Disclaimer: Stephenie owns everything, of course.

Thanks to IAmToWait for beta-ing and asking the hard questions.

B-

I just miss you. So much.

As the day of Edward's return neared, Bella only became more and more nervous. She couldn't take off from school to witness his graduation but he had called soon afterwards to let her know he was on his way home. On his way back to her.

They had planned to meet in Forks over the weekend so he would still be able to see his family. Of course, Edward had other plans. It was on a cloudy Friday morning that Bella walked back from an English class with Jessica, chatting happily and more lively than she had been in months.

Jessica stopped dead in her tracks, her mouth uncharacteristically silent.

"What?" Bella asked as she followed her friend's gaze to the front of their building.

A smile formed at the same moment as the tears welled and fell. Her books were on the ground and she was in his arms. It felt like it took her years to cross the ten feet between them because she could see every little change about him.

The hair which she loved to touch was cut short, the long waves gone. His green eyes were tired, older even. Edward even looked taller. He smelled the same, she noticed as her face was pressed to his neck.

"I missed you," he whispered, holding her impossibly tight. Bella could only nod, for the tears that had begun to fall had somehow stolen her voice. Edward pulled away and kissed her, soft and slow. It was then that she realized, in her frenzy to get to him, all her limbs were wrapped tightly around his body. His hands held a tight grip on the back of her thighs and heat coursed through her body as their mouths met, tongues and teeth and promises.

"Take me inside," she breathed when she finally found her voice. He gently set her down, taking only her hand and did as she asked. Once the door was closed her hands worked of their own accord on the Army greens he wore. He watched silently as she removed his clothes, wondering if it would always be like this, if he'd always love her and want her this much. She knelt to unlace his boots and when she finally met his eyes he felt his heart stop. Yes, he would always feel this way.

Her clothes joined his in a puddle of light blue and denim and camouflage as their bodies melted together like they'd never been apart.

Soft hands and warm lips worshipped his body and he did the same for her. He valued each touch, kiss, and whisper and stored them in the back of his memory. Edward knew that their time was precious, limited even. He wanted to remember how she looked when they were like this, how it felt to be joined with her. Edward wished he could bottle up their passion and keep it locked away for a day when he would surely need a reminder.

He knew he'd entered into a career where any little bit of hope and happiness would somehow make his day. Of course, Edward didn't know how soon or how long he would have to depend on stored-up memories. But until then he was content with making them.

Thank you so much for reading. :)